That Tech Pod

We’re on vacation this week! While we recharge, enjoy this “best of” episode from our first year back in 2021. We’ll be back next week with a special new episode featuring PlusNXT! Today (June 8, 2021) on That Tech Pod, Laura and Gabi sit down with Andrew Ochoa, CEO of Waverly Labs, to unpack the tech behind The Ambassador, a wearable translator built to remove language barriers. They dig into how real-time translation works, the hardware and software that power it, and where it shines in the real world, from travel and classrooms to business meetings. Andrew shares what accuracy really means, the tradeoffs between speed and quality, how the team thinks about privacy, and what might be next for multilingual communication.

On today's episode of That Tech Pod, we sit down with Gino Ferrand, CEO and Founder of TECLA. Born in Lima, Peru and raised in the U.S., Gino’s journey spans continents, cultures, and companies. He shares how those experiences shaped his perspective on technology, risk, and data security.We dig into the story behind TECLA, which started with a simple insight, Latin America’s deep pool of untapped tech talent, and grew into a platform that has helped U.S. companies worth billions scale their engineering teams. Gino explains how he balances innovation with fairness in building TECLA’s AI-driven talent-matching platform, and what it takes to earn trust when remote developers handle mission-critical and sensitive work.We also explore the broader context: how shifting immigration policies affect demand for nearshore talent, the challenges of protecting intellectual property and sensitive data across borders, and the future of global tech collaboration. Gino closes with what’s next for him and TECLA as they continue to bridge talent gaps with security and innovation in mind.Gino Ferrand is the CEO and Founder of TECLA, a nearshore staffing company that connects U.S. tech firms with top software engineers across Latin America. Born in Lima, Peru, he moved to the U.S. at 12 and learned early what it meant to start over, build from scratch, and stay relentless—values shaped by his family of entrepreneurs. From launching an e-commerce jewelry brand in high school to creating a social network for college founders, Gino has always been driven to build.After college, he returned to Lima and saw the untapped potential of Latin American tech talent, sparking the idea for TECLA. Over the past 12 years, he’s helped companies worth more than $10 billion scale their engineering teams while continuing to stay hands-on as a coder and architect of TECLA’s AI-driven talent-matching platform. Based in Seattle, Gino remains committed to his belief that talent is everywhere—it just needs the right platform to thrive.

This week on the pod, Kevin and Laura talk with Bree Flemings, CEO and co-founder of Jem Social, about building a tech platform at the intersection of influencer marketing, data privacy, and the ever-shifting world of digital media.Bree shares how DJing in college led her to the world of content creation, and what ultimately drove her to start Jem Social, a platform designed to help brands connect with the right influencers at scale. We talk about the evolution of marketing, the role of AI, and the balance between automation and authenticity. Bree also gets into how Jem is adapting to changing ad trends, why community-based marketing is on the rise, and how she’s thinking about data privacy, moderation, and the future of trust in the creator economy. She also shares about the challenges of user acquisition, retention, and what’s next for Jem Social. Bree Flemings is the CEO and co-founder of Jem Social, a SaaS platform that helps consumer brands easily find and partner with influencers who match their target audience, location, and budget. Jem is backed by Nexcubed, Bank of America, and NC Invest.She is a results-driven Founder, Product marketing Manager and Project Manager with a proven track record in delivering complex projects on time and within budget. She is customer obsessed. Highly skilled in leading cross-functional teams, managing project scope, and ensuring customer satisfaction. Her experience spans everything from launching market-ready products to managing stakeholder relationships and driving agile development. Simply put: she knows how to take an idea and make it real.

This week Laura and Kevin discuss one of the most pressing threats in tech today: AI voice cloning. They’re joined by Alex Quilici, CEO of YouMail and a longtime leader in telecom security, to break down how generative AI is being weaponized for scams and what can be done about it.Alex shares how tools that used to need hours of audio can now mimic your voice from a voicemail greeting or a TikTok clip. He explains how scammers have become more sophisticated than ever, targeting different demographics with tailored tactics, texting one person, calling another, and emailing a third with a fake callback number. He also walks us through why voice authentication, once considered cutting-edge, may now be obsolete. The episode covers everything from how to help your grandma avoid IRS impersonators, to what businesses like banks and law firms should be doing today to avoid being the next deepfake headline.If you’ve ever picked up a call from an unknown number or left a voicemail, this episode is for you. Alex gives clear advice for individuals and organizations on how to stay a step ahead and why it’s time we rethink how we prove who we are over the phone.Alex Quilici is an entrepreneur with over 25+ years of experience in the tech industry. Holding a PhD in Computer Science from UCLA, his expertise spans telecommunications and security, boasting over 30 patents in these fields.  Today, Alex holds the title of CEO of YouMail, a totally free robocall blocking app and call protection service for mobile phones, since 2007. Alex leads a globally distributed team spanning seven countries, driving the company's mission to enhance communication safety and effectiveness. Under his direction, YouMail launched the Robocall Index in 2015, offering valuable insights into the landscape of robocalls in the United States, a testament to his commitment to consumer protection and technological advancement. Alex’s influence extends beyond his company, serving on advisory boards and recognized as a national authority on robocalls by regulatory bodies and media alike.   Prior to his leadership at YouMail, Alex co-founded and was CEO of Quack, a startup later acquired by AOL, where he served as Vice President and Chief Product Officer, significantly contributing to the growth of AOL's voice services division.  He also served as a professor of Electrical Engineering at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Known for his innovative approach, he has a reputation for bridging advanced research with practical user needs, particularly leveraging artificial intelligence to solve software challenges. 

This week on the pod, we sit down with e-discovery veteran John Thacher to get real about GenAI. We talk about what’s working, what’s failing, and what everyone needs to understand before jumping on the hype train. With over two decades in the trenches, John has seen it all, and he’s not shy about separating substance from noise.We get into why so many GenAI roles are being created and eliminated in the same year, and how legal tech leaders can avoid that cycle. John walks us through what implementing GenAI actually looks like on the ground, including the practical challenges and real-world results from some of his most recent review projects. He also shares where GenAI still falls short, especially in legal workflows that demand nuance and precision.If you're thinking about pivoting into this space, John has advice on what skills matter most, what’s becoming obsolete, and why this is both an exciting and risky time to make a move. He also gets candid about his next chapter and why now’s the time to hire him. (Seriously, someone hire this guy!) Whether you're GenAI-curious or already knee-deep in implementation, this episode is a must-listen for anyone trying to figure out what it really takes to make GenAI work in legal and eDiscovery.John Thacher has over 24 years of experience in e-Discovery, where he's known for building high-performing teams and driving business growth through innovation. He currently leads BDO’s review program, which he helped launch and scale 5x in just three years. John has been instrumental in transitioning clients to Machine Learning as the default review method and recently completed a successful Gen AI-based workflow review for several global manufacturers in electronics, aviation, and automotive sectors. He’s a vocal advocate for using Gen AI to streamline reviews and reduce costs.Before BDO, John spent eight years at Ricoh managing major review projects, including the MDL Opiates Committee review, which involved 565 attorneys across eight locations. Earlier in his career, he helped launch Orrick’s Global Operations Center while at De Novo Legal, expanding it from a small pilot team into a 200+ attorney review center. At Peak Discovery, he created fixed-price review products that led to a 12x business growth and eventual acquisition by Techlaw Solutions.John earned a joint JD/MBA from Albany Law School and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, graduating in the top 10% of both programs. He also spent five years as an Assistant Professor of Management, teaching business law, strategy, and HR. With deep expertise across the entire e-discovery lifecycle—from document collection to privilege logs—John continues to develop long-term, AI-powered solutions for clients seeking smarter, more efficient review strategies.

In this week’s episode, we chat with Haleh Shoa, Founder and CEO of Picturli, to explore the complicated world of digital memory. Haleh shares how her own family’s experiences inspired her to create a service that turns photo chaos into order, curating, organizing, and preserving personal archives for the long haul.We discuss what it really means to “own” your photos in an age where most of us rely on platforms like Google or iCloud. Who controls your images once they’re uploaded? Do people even realize what they’re giving up for convenience? From data privacy and facial recognition to emotional overload and the value of legacy, we dig into why your photos deserve more thought than a quick swipe. Laura shares the story of a woman who won $10,000 just for reading the fine print, reminding us how often we overlook the details that matter most. We also touch on the rising idea of digital inheritance and the need to designate a legacy contact, the habit of constant documenting, and the risks of losing meaningful memories in a flood of selfies and screenshots. For families who’ve experienced war, migration, or loss, preserving visual history can mean everything. Haleh brings a thoughtful and practical perspective on the tools, habits, and mindset we need to protect our memories and why now is the time to start.Haleh Shoa is the Founder and CEO of Picturli: a photo organization, curation, archiving, and design studio that helps families, individuals, and businesses transform their chaotic mess of photos into one clear and cohesive digital library. Haleh and her team meticulously organize their clients’ photo collections into a searchable, secure, and easily sharable photo archive. 

This week on That Tech Pod, Laura and Kevin sit down with Emily Chase Coleman, a leading voice in higher ed analytics, to talk about how data, AI, and shifting policy are transforming the college experience.We kick things off with a look at predictive analytics in enrollment and financial aid. Emily shares the most common misconceptions schools still have about AI, and how generative tools are forcing colleges to rethink academic integrity, fairness, and even the rules around who gets to use AI, and when.As the conversation turns to policy and student loans, Emily weighs in on recent headlines about aid cuts and loan forgiveness battles. She explains how these changes are already affecting how institutions plan for the future, and why equity needs to be at the center of it. We also talk about cybersecurity and student privacy. With ransomware attacks on the rise and more schools moving to the cloud, Emily talks about how institutions can balance being data-driven with protecting student information. Spoiler: most aren’t investing enough in cyber defenses. We also look ahead to the next decade. What does the “smart campus” of 2035 look like? How can colleges move from being data-aware to truly data-informed? And if Emily could change just one thing about how universities use data today, what would it be?Emily Chase Coleman is a visionary in higher education analytics, reshaping how institutions use data to drive strategy. As the Co-founder and CEO of HAI Analytics Inc., she helps colleges and universities make informed, data-backed decisions about enrollment, financial aid, and student success. With over 20 years in higher education leadership and a PhD in Social Psychology and Statistics from Cornell, Emily is uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between data science and institutional strategy.At HAI Analytics, Emily is leading the charge in making predictive modeling and data visualization tools more accessible to university decision-makers. Her team has developed an innovative software-with-service platform, empowering institutions to use analytics for long-term sustainability without relying on full-time consultants. Emily is also a strong advocate for education reform, challenging outdated models in admissions and financial aid. She critiques the high-price, high-discount tuition system for exacerbating socioeconomic disparities and pushes for test-optional admissions to promote equity in college access.Beyond higher education, Emily champions women in leadership and tech, sharing insights from her journey as a female founder in edtech and data analytics. She is passionate about increasing representation in STEM and creating pathways for women entrepreneurs.Support a Good Cause:All proceeds from That Tech Pod merch sales during July and August will be donated to the victims of the Camp Mystic tragedy. Shop here and help make a difference.

In this week's episode, Laura and Kevin sit down with Evan J. Schwartz, Chief Innovation Officer at AMCS Group, to explore where AI is actually making a difference and where it’s doing real harm. From logistics and sustainability to law enforcement and digital identity, we dig into how AI is being used (and misused) in ways that affect millions of lives.We talk about a real-world case Evan worked on involving predictive analytics in law enforcement, and the dangers of trusting databases more than people. If someone hacks your digital footprint or plants fake records, how do you prove you're not the person your data says you are? We dive into the Karen Read case, the ethics of “precrime” models like in Minority Report, and a story where AI helped thieves trick a bank into wiring $40 million. The common thread? We’ve put a lot of faith in data... sometimes more than it deserves.With the EU AI Act now passed and other countries tightening regulation, Evan offers advice on how U.S.-based companies should prepare for a future where AI governance isn’t optional. He also breaks down “dark AI” and whether we’re getting close to machines making life-altering decisions without humans in the loop. Whether you're in tech, law, policy, or just trying to understand how AI might impact your own rights and identity, this conversation pulls back the curtain on how fast things are moving and what we might be missing.Evan J. Schwartz brings over 35 years of experience in enterprise tech and digital transformation. At AMCS Group, he leads innovation efforts focused on AI, data science, and sustainability in the logistics and resource recovery industries. He’s held executive roles in operations, architecture, and M&A, and also teaches graduate courses in AI, cybersecurity, and project management. Evan serves on the Forbes Tech Council and advises at Jacksonville University. He’s also the author of People, Places, and Things, an Amazon best-seller on ERP implementation. His work blends technical depth with a sharp focus on ethics and real-world impact.

In this episode of That Tech Pod, Kevin and Laura dig into the Gemini Credit Card, a flashy, crypto-backed rewards card created by the Winklevoss twins and issued by WebBank and Mastercard. Is it a smart move for crypto enthusiasts or just another fintech gimmick?We break down the card’s history, perks, and pitfalls: you’ll earn up to 4% back in crypto on everyday purchases, choose from 60+ cryptocurrencies, and enjoy no annual fees. But while the concept is solid, users report some real concerns including slow customer service, transaction issues, and tricky tax implications. We compare Gemini to the Chase Sapphire Reserve and debate whether instant crypto rewards outweigh the lack of travel perks and occasional service headaches. We read actual user reviews, share personal experiences, and reflect on the broader trend of crypto creeping into everyday finance.Is the Gemini card a useful tool for passive crypto investing or a volatile ride best avoided? Tune in for the full breakdown. Plus and hear about that time Laura got unlimited coffee and went to a Ja Rule party thanks to another infamous credit card, Magnesis.

Today is a special episode. This is our 250th episode!To celebrate, Laura and Kevin sit down with Dikshant Dave, a three-time founder and current CEO of Zigment, to explore the next frontier in AI, Agentic AI. Dikshant breaks down what sets Zigment apart in the crowded marketing tech world and explains how Agentic AI systems do more than just automate, they learn, adapt, and make decisions on the fly.The conversation touches on his journey through multiple startups, the challenges of balancing innovation with privacy, and the industries where AI is just getting started. Dikshant shares sharp takes on job displacement, the ethics of extracting personal data, and what transparency in AI really looks like. He also dives into a big question: Can empathy be automated? And should it be? Plus, hear what kind of startup he’d build next, and who he’d begrudgingly? choose to be stuck in an elevator with. It’s a thoughtful, funny, and wide-ranging conversation with someone who’s not just building tech, but rethinking how it fits into the real world.Dikshant Dave is the CEO of Zigment, a marketing automation platform built around Agentic AI—intelligent systems that go beyond automation to actively learn, adapt, and make decisions across every customer touchpoint. With Zigment, he’s redefining how businesses engage with customers by combining proactive AI with human insight to drive measurable impact: higher lead conversion, smarter workflows, and stronger ROI. A three-time founder with a background in startups like CureJoy and Funstar, Dikshant has made a career out of pushing the boundaries of what tech can do. His latest work focuses on the rise of AI agents, the future of personalization at scale, and how businesses can tap into AI without losing the human touch. He's also passionate about using AI for good, most recently through Zigment’s nonprofit partnership with Give.org.